For 30 years, Wildflower has been a familiar gathering place for Arizonans looking for fresh, approachable meals in a welcoming setting. But beyond serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Scottsdale-based restaurant has also built a reputation for giving back to the communities it calls home.
The locally founded restaurant recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a $37,329 donation to Child Crisis Arizona, a nonprofit that supports children in foster care and families experiencing crisis. The contribution commemorates a partnership that has spanned nearly two decades and reflects Wildflower's long-standing commitment to community involvement.
"Since 2007, Wildflower has been more than a donor to Child Crisis Arizona; they have rolled up their sleeves to donate food, volunteer hours, and step up at several of our events, including our annual gala and our Lunch for Love program, as critical partners in our holistic approach that supports children through every stage of life, from infancy through young adulthood, with care that adapts as their needs evolve," said CEO Torrie A. Taj. The relationship began when Wildflower's original owners, Louis and Tracy Basile, connected with Child Crisis Arizona after seeing the organization's work supporting vulnerable children and families throughout the Valley.
Louis later joined the nonprofit's volunteer board of directors, helping deepen the partnership over the years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant donated meals to hundreds of families to help ensure they had access to nutritious food during an especially difficult time. The company also helped fund the state-of-the-art kitchen at the Child Crisis Arizona Center for Child & Family Wellness, where warm meals continue to be prepared for children attending preschool programs and those staying in emergency shelter.
Today, under the leadership of CEO Jim Nagy, Wildflower continues to build on that legacy while celebrating a milestone anniversary.
"For 30 years, Wildflower has believed that serving our community extends beyond the table. Child Crisis Arizona has been an incredible partner for nearly two decades, and we're proud to celebrate this milestone by investing in the children and families they serve. Supporting organizations that strengthen our communities has been part of who we are since day one," said Nagy.
As Wildflower enters its fourth decade, its continued investment in both neighborhood restaurants and community partnerships reflects a philosophy that has remained consistent since the beginning: great food can bring people together, and successful businesses have an opportunity to make a lasting difference beyond their dining rooms. Learn more at Child Crisis Arizona.
